Group urges public to have clean, safe holidays

ENVIRONMENTAL group EcoWaste Coalition on Friday issued reminders to the public visiting public parks for Christmas and New Year.

“Although it brings joy to families, especially children, this yuletide practice seems to carry a burden for Mother Earth because of the garbage left in every corner of recreational parks,” the group said.

The group launched a 25-item “Park Etiquette” list to prevent and reduce waste through the celebrations, which is as follows:

1. Plan the park visit and prepare the essential things to bring.
2. Bring enough food and drink to avoid spending.
3. Put the items in a reusable container and take them home afterward.
4. Carry water in a reusable tumbler.
5. Avoid single-use plastic and anything disposable.
6. Do not bring beer or alcohol into the park.
7. Bring an umbrella and other sun and rain protection.
8. Instead of wet wipes or tissues, bring cloth serviettes.
9. Bring a container for discards and take them home.
10. Never litter and burn garbage.
11. Appreciate the flowers and plants, but don’t pick or step on them.
12. Practice good personal hygiene.
13. Keep the environment smoke-free and vape-free.
14. Keep the toilet clean, and don’t pee in the wrong place.
15. Never light firecrackers or fireworks in the park.
16. Be helpful to the elderly and persons with disabilities.
17. Keep a close eye on the children and your personal belongings.
18. Take care of the playground equipment.
19. Avoid loud conversations and music.
20. Give others the opportunity to use and enjoy the park.
21. Be respectful of fellow visitors and their space.
22. If you have a car, park only in the designated place.
23. Respect the park personnel.
24. Follow the prescribed rules of the park.
25. Before leaving the park, do Claygo (clean as you go).

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

People enjoy the Christmas-themed Sumulong Park in Antipolo, Rizal on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

EcoWaste called on the public to cooperate and maintain the cleanliness, safety and order in the public parks for a happy and eco-friendly gathering.

Among the places the group mentioned are Rizal Park in Manila City, Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City and Burnham Park in Baguio City.